Create a value stream map

Manufacturing companies create value stream maps to identify where there is waste in manufacturing processes, and to help find ways to eliminate that waste.

Note: To create a value stream map you must have Visio Professional or Premium edition installed. The feature is not included in Visio Standard 2010.

For example, a value stream map can show where extra materials are piling up. Ideally, materials that are delivered to your company go straight into the manufacturing process, and then move smoothly through all of the stages of the process until the product is complete. The finished product is then delivered to your customers without delay.

There are two steps to using value stream maps:

Create a current state diagram that shows how your process currently works.

After you identify the problem areas, create a future state diagram that helps you pinpoint ways to change the process to reduce waste.

The following example shows a simplified current state diagram.

The following example of a future state diagram addresses the problems that the current state diagram helped make apparent.